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USDA Cancels Two Cyclospora Research Projects, Funding Cut

8/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is closing two of three USDA cyclospora research projects.
Congress omitted funding for the projects in the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Act.
The remaining project will move from Maryland to Iowa, yet scientists refused relocation.
CDC logged over 17,000 confirmed cyclospora cases May 1-August 24, 2026, and up to 11,844 possible additional cases.
USDA said research will continue, blamed Congress, and warned retiring parasitologists will leave a knowledge gap.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is closing two of three USDA cyclospora research projects.
Congress omitted funding for the projects in the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Act.
The remaining project will move from Maryland to Iowa, yet scientists refused relocation.
CDC logged over 17,000 confirmed cyclospora cases May 1-August 24, 2026, and up to 11,844 possible additional cases.
USDA said research will continue, blamed Congress, and warned retiring parasitologists will leave a knowledge gap.